Braille literacy, support & resources

Braille literacy often starts with exposure — not formal lessons. For many families, the first step is simply giving children access to braille books, labels, and tactile materials so literacy feels normal and part of everyday life.

Starting with access

Braille access at home helps children build familiarity with tactile reading long before formal instruction begins. When braille labels, books, and tactile materials are part of everyday life, children learn that reading is something they can participate in too. Early exposure builds curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation for literacy.

Seedlings Braille Books for Children

Picture of Ellie in bed with braille book

eedlings is a nonprofit organization that provides free braille books to children through their Angel Program. Families can sign up to receive braille books each year at no cost, helping children build early literacy skills and confidence with tactile reading. We use Seedlings for Ellie, and many of her first braille and tactile books came from them — including the one pictured here. Having access to these books at home has made a huge difference in helping her explore stories in a way that works for her. In addition to books, Seedlings also offers braille toys, tactile learning materials, and accessible reading resources for children at different developmental stages. For many families, it’s a wonderful first step in bringing braille into everyday life.

You can learn more or sign up here : https://www.seedlings.org/shop/

Ellie sitting in her bed with an animal book with textures of said animals

Braille LEGO Bricks

Braille legos individually placed around a yellow background

Braille LEGO bricks are a fun way for children to explore letters through play. They combine tactile learning with something many kids already love — building and creating. Ellie has a set of braille LEGO bricks, and they’ve been a great way for her to explore textures, shapes, and early literacy through her hands. Tools like this help introduce braille naturally, without it feeling like a lesson or pressure. They also make it easier for siblings, classmates, and friends to learn and play together, which helps make literacy feel inclusive rather than separate.

Building literacy through everyday life

RNIB ''Lots of Dots ''

The Lots of Dots activity pack from RNIB is a free introductory braille resource designed for children, families, and educators who are new to braille. The booklet explains how braille works and includes a braille alphabet chart, printable flashcards, and simple games that introduce dot patterns and tactile reading concepts.

The activities are intended to help sighted peers, siblings, parents, and teachers understand braille structure while supporting early braille awareness. It can be used at home, in classrooms, or by support workers looking for simple ways to introduce braille in a fun and approachable way.

You can download the activity pack here:https://media.rnib.org.uk/documents/APDF-SV240805__Lots_of_Dots_Activity_Booklet-v02.pdf

RNIB Activity Booklet cover. Circles in different sizes and colors displayed as a front page.

CELA Library (Centre for Equitable Library Access)

One of the best resources we have found in Canada is the CELA Library. CELA provides free accessible books and educational materials for people with print disabilities, including children who are blind or have low vision.

Through CELA, families can access:

Children's books in braille
Audio books
Described books
E-texts compatible with screen readers and braille displays
Educational resources for early literacy

Many public libraries across Canada are partnered with CELA, meaning you can often register through your local library. If your child qualifies due to a visual impairment, these resources are available at no additional cost.

For us, braille isn't just about reading—it's about giving Ellie the opportunity to become literate, independent, and confident as she grows. Having access to thousands of accessible books through CELA is an incredible resource for our family.

Website: https://celalibrary.ca